Posted by Surrogacy is a process that has become increasingly popular over the past decade, allowing intended parents to experience all the joys of parenthood despite any medical or other complications that prevent them from conceiving a child. For many, the road to becoming a parent through surrogacy is an exciting journey with lifelong rewards, but for others, it can be a financial burden. Thankfully, there are several options available to help manage the surrogate cost.
Types of Surrogacy
When considering the surrogate mother cost, it is important to understand the different types of surrogacy and the various expenses that come along with each one.
Traditional Surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy is when a surrogate carries her own egg, which has been fertilized in a lab by sperm from either the intended father or a donor. Friends and family members are often willing to act as surrogates for their loved ones, and while they typically do not receive any financial compensation for their services, there are still medical and legal costs associated with traditional surrogacy.
Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is the more popular option for intended parents as it allows them to use an egg from a donor or from the intended mother and sperm from either a donor or the intended father. Opting for gestational surrogacy requires more resources, as a fertility specialist must collect eggs and sperm to fertilize before placing the embryo into the surrogate’s womb.
Cost Breakdown
The cost of surrogacy can vary greatly depending on location and the type of surrogacy chosen. It is important to get an accurate estimate from a trusted surrogate agency or fertility clinic in order to understand all the expenses associated with becoming a parent through surrogacy. Generally, there are four main cost categories: medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and agency fees.
Medical Expenses
The medical expenses associated with surrogacy are typically the most costly. This includes any fertility treatments or procedures that occur prior to implantation, such as collecting eggs and sperm, fertilizing them in a lab, and having the embryos tested to ensure they are viable. Additional medical expenses may include prenatal care, delivery expenses, and post-natal care.
Legal Fees
At its core, surrogacy is a delicate contractual agreement. Having the agreement properly drafted and signed by all parties involved is essential to ensure the rights of both the intended parents and surrogate are respected throughout the process. Legal fees typically range depending on the complexity of the surrogacy arrangement. In the event that a surrogacy agreement goes through court, legal fees will likely increase.
Surrogate Compensation
In addition to covering medical expenses for the surrogate, intended parents also need to consider compensation for the surrogate’s time and effort. It is important to remember that surrogates are not employed by the intended parents; rather, they are acting as their own independent contractors. The compensation amount depends on the surrogate’s individual circumstances and can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $50,000. As with any pregnancy, the surrogate cost will also likely include compensation for time off work.
Agency Fees
Finally, there may be agency fees associated with surrogacy. Agencies typically provide intended parents with a variety of services, such as recruiting potential surrogates, providing legal guidance and support throughout the process, monitoring medical treatments and appointments, and helping to coordinate all the necessary arrangements. Agency fees can range depending on the services provided.
Tips for Budgeting and Managing Surrogacy Expenses
Intended parents should keep in mind that the cost of surrogacy can add up quickly so they should plan accordingly. It is important to budget for all possible costs, including medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and agency fees. Additionally, there are some things intended parents can do to help manage their expenses, such as using an escrow account to pay for medical expenses or getting quotes from multiple clinics and agencies. By doing the necessary research upfront, intended parents can gain a better understanding of all the costs associated with surrogacy and ensure they are adequately prepared for the financial journey ahead.